In North Florida (Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Panama City, Pensacola, and surrounding areas), choosing between fill dirt and topsoil is one of the most common questions we get at National Site Materials. While they may look similar in a pile, they serve completely different purposes and using the wrong one can cost you time, money, and headaches.
What is Fill Dirt
Fill dirt is subsoil excavated from deeper layers (usually 12″ or more below the surface). It is screened to remove rocks, roots, and debris and consists mostly of clay, sand, and small amounts of silt. In North Florida it often has a reddish-orange color due to high iron content and is very compactable.
What is Topsoil?
Topsoil is the uppermost layer (typically the top 5–12 inches) rich in organic matter, nutrients, microbes, and dark in color. North Florida topsoil is usually sandy with varying amounts of organic material and is ideal for plant growth.
Fill Dirt vs. Topsoil – Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Fill Dirt | Topsoil |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Matter | Almost none | 2–10% (or higher in premium blends) |
| Best Use | Grading, raising elevation, base under structures | Planting lawns, gardens, flower beds |
| Drainage | Slow (high clay content in N FL) | Good to excellent (sandy base) |
| Compaction | Excellent – very stable | Poor – stays loose for root growth |
| Cost in North FL | Usually cheaper (often $12–$22/yard) | Higher ($28–$55/yard delivered) |
| Weed Seeds | Virtually none | Can contain some |
Pros and Cons – Fill Dirt in North FloridaPros
- Extremely cost-effective for large volume projects
- Highly stable and compactable – perfect under foundations, driveways, and roads
- No organic material means no settling or decomposition over time
Cons
- Contains virtually no nutrients – nothing will grow in pure fill dirt
- North Florida fill dirt can be very clay-heavy and drain poorly if not mixed
- Can harden like concrete when dry, making future digging difficult
Pros and Cons – Topsoil in North FloridaPros
- Rich in nutrients and organic matter – ideal for grass, shrubs, and gardens
- Sandy base drains well in Florida’s heavy rains
- Promotes fast root establishment and healthy plant growth
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than fill dirt
- Will settle 10–20% over time as organic matter decomposes
- Not structurally stable – cannot be used as fill under concrete or pavers without a proper base
When to Use Each in North Florida
- Building a house pad or adding elevation → 90% fill dirt + 4–8″ of topsoil on top for grass
- Installing sod or seeding a new lawn → screened topsoil or topsoil/sand mix
- Fixing low spots in an existing yard → topsoil (fill dirt will kill grass)
- Creating raised garden beds → premium organic topsoil or garden mix
- French drains or backfill around foundations → clean fill dirt or sandy fill
9 Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fill dirt for my lawn in North Florida?
No. Pure fill dirt has no nutrients and grass will die. Use 6–8 inches of quality topsoil over compacted fill if you’re raising grade. - Why is North Florida fill dirt usually red or orange?
High iron oxide content in our regional subsoil gives it the distinctive color and helps it compact tightly. - How much will my fill dirt or topsoil settle?
Fill dirt settles less than 3–5%. Topsoil can settle 10–25% in the first year depending on organic content. - Do you screen your fill dirt and topsoil?
Yes. All material from National Site Materials is screened to 1″ minus (occasional small rocks may remain). - Can I mix fill dirt and topsoil myself?
You can, but for planting we recommend a minimum 6″ of straight topsoil on top. Mixing usually wastes money. - Is there clay in North Florida fill dirt?
Yes, most local fill dirt contains 20–50% clay, which makes it excellent for compaction but poor for drainage. - What’s the cheapest way to fill a large area and still grow grass?
Bring grade to within 8″ of finished height with fill dirt, then top-dress with 8″ of topsoil. - Do you deliver to my area in North Florida?
National Site Materials delivers 7 days a week from Pensacola to Jacksonville and everywhere in between (minimum orders apply by location). - How many yards do I need?
Use our online Materials Calculator or call us – we’re happy to calculate it for free based on your project dimensions.
Ready for a fast, free quote on fill dirt or topsoil delivered in North Florida?
National Site Materials “Get Pricing” – same-day and next-day delivery available throughout the region!